Yankees Trade Francisco Cervelli To Pirates For Reliever Justin Wilson

by

Nov 13, 2014

Francisco CervelliPITTSBURGH — The Pirates acquired catcher Francisco Cervelli from the New York Yankees in exchange for reliever Justin Wilson on Wednesday.

Mainly a backup with the Yankees, 28-year-old Cervelli batted .301 with two homers and 13 RBIs in 49 games last season.

The Pirates could have an opening at catcher if they are unable to re-sign Russell Martin, a free agent who declined the team’s $15.3 million qualifying offer after helping Pittsburgh to consecutive playoff berths.

The energetic Cervelli once was a backup to Martin with the Yankees.

The left-handed Wilson and his upper-90s fastball were a vital part of the Pirates’ bullpen this year. He went 3-4 with a 4.20 ERA in 70 appearances, striking out 61 in 60 innings.

Cervelli is a .278 career hitter who has been slowed by various injuries throughout his career. He also served a 50-game suspension in 2013 for his role in the Biogenesis drug scandal.

The emergence of young catcher John Ryan Murphy helped make Cervelli expendable, especially with Cervelli due for a big raise in arbitration to a seven-figure salary.

Filling in as Brian McCann’s backup when Cervelli was sidelined with a hamstring injury this year, Murphy hit .284 with one homer and nine RBIs in 81 at-bats over 32 games.

Photo via Greg M. Cooper/USA TODAY Sports Images

Previous Article

Austin Rivers Takes Forearm To Face From Ronnie Price, Who’s Ejected (Video)

Next Article

Tom Brady, Gisele Bundchen Renting Out Pricey New York Pad (Photos)

Picked For You